Local News

MERRILLVILLE, Ind. — More than 300 girls across five states were urged to dream big as they explored innovative careers in science and technology as part of “Introduce a Girl to STEAM,” an inaugural event hosted by the NiSource Charitable Foundation in partnership with NiSource Inc. and its subsidiary Northern Indiana Public Service Company LLC (NIPSCO). On Monday, Feb. 17, NIPSCO turned its Merrillville headquarters into an interactive learning classroom, as girls in grades 4 through 6 participated in games, scientific demonstrations and team-building exercises focused on STEAM – science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. “Our goal today was to

A multi-vehicle crash on the Indiana Toll Road in the area of the 61 mile marker resulted in the closure of the eastbound lanes on Tuesday. Eastbound traffic was diverted off at the State Road 39 exit. The eastbound lanes were reported open around 5 hours after the initial crash report.  

It’s Mardi Gras Party Time! Ivy Tech Community College Hosts Annual Spring Fundraiser Event Valparaiso, IN – Ivy Tech Community College recently announced celebratory return of 21st annual Spring Fundraiser event taking place on March 14, 2025 at Aberdeen Manor, located at 216 Ballantrae, Valparaiso, IN. Doors open at 5:30 p.m CT. Guest are encouraged to venture out and celebrate this year’s Mardi Gras themed occasion. Event includes dinner, dancing, silent auction and live entertainment from ReTurn2Soul, a six piece band from Chicagoland. Tickets are currently available for purchase at $90.00. $45.00 of the ticket price is tax-deductible, and can be

The La Porte County Sheriff’s Office is informing the public of a phone scam. La Porte Police said the following on their Facebook page Monday: “In an attempt to represent himself as a member of LCSO, a scammer claiming to be “Charles Davis” or “Jeff Hope” has recently been calling citizens about various law enforcement related matters. And now today, another lowlife, maybe the same one, is spoofing the La Porte County Circuit Court telephone number and also claiming to be from the agency.  This conman is attempting to acquire your information and / or money for warrants. DO NOT

In the City of Portage, Portage Avenue between Willowcreek Road and Crisman Road will be closed to all traffic on Wednesday, Feb, 19 from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. (weather permitting) for a rail repair. A detour map has been provided.

South Shore Line passengers are advised the South Shore Line will implement a new train schedule, effective today, Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025. The new schedule incorporates service modifications as a result of ongoing passenger feedback and service analysis. Please note revisions to train numbers and all weekday and weekend train departure/arrival times. To see the timetable click here.

Daybreak, Valparaiso’s new shelter for men has opened and includes a co-ed warming/cooling center. The Valparaiso Police Department says those needing a warm place overnight can check in from 7:00 to 9:00 pm, with lights out at 10:00 pm. The shelter is located at 500 Don Hovey Drive and is managed by Respite House. "The City of Valparaiso has supported this effort by The City of Valparaiso has supported the Daybreak project by donating the property on Don Hovey Drive and allocating $150,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds, the Valparaiso Police Department said on its Facebook page. "Mayor Jon

MICHIGAN CITY -- For the fourth consecutive year, a Marquette Catholic student will head to college with a full-tuition-plus-housing award to the school of their choice. Senior Davion Williams learned earlier this month that he is among the latest recipients of the Chick Evans Scholarship, a life-changing award that places high-achieving caddies in a position to experience long-term success. Students have four eligibility criteria to meet: academic excellence, a demonstrated financial need, strong character, and the completion of a minimum of 100 loops (rounds) as a caddie at a golf club that participates in the Evans Scholarship program. Williams owns

A man was recently arrested and later charged after police say he held a woman at gunpoint in January, according to the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office. Police say during the morning of Jan. 5, Deputy Jacob Payne responded to the The Hangar Grill Pub in La Crosse in reference to a woman wishing to report a battery and being held at gunpoint by a subject who resides nearby. The 33-year-old victim reported the incident occurred the prior evening inside an apartment belonging to the accused located directly above the establishment.  The accused was identified as 36-year Mikael Moreno. Deputy

Join the Porter County Health Department for Women Protecting Women: An Emergency Response Class on Friday, Feb. 28 from 5 p.m. to 7  p.m. at 3590 Willowcreek Rd., Portage, IN. Learn essential skills like self-defense and hands-only CPR in just one evening. The event also provides resources on trauma support and women's heart health. For questions, Contact Evyn at 910-340-2248 or Terra at 219-331-0524 for more information. Spots are limited.

The La Porte Police Department announced Friday that they recently received two generous donations. The department recently thanked the MAAC Foundation for their generous $5,000 donation in support of their K9 unit. They also thanked Jacki Stutzman, Chairman of the S50 K9 Committee, for her additional $10,000 contribution.

Join the Michiana Humane Society at the shelter on Saturday, February 22nd, from 11:30am-12:30pm CT to help them to prepare enrichment activities for all of their pets: bunnies, guinea pigs, cats, and dogs. This event is open to the public. All ages welcome (16 years and under must have an adult present). No RSVP necessary. No volunteer orientation required.

On Wednesday,  State Rep. Pat Boy’s (D-Michigan City) House Bill 1376 passed unanimously out of the House Education Committee. The original version of the bill, which aimed to supply opioid overdose reversal medication in schools across the state, has been significantly altered. The amended bill now only includes a redefinition of “naloxone” in the Indiana Code, defining it as “a federal Food and Drug Administration-approved opioid overdose reversal medication, including nasal spray. Boy released the following statement on the amended bill’s passage: “While today’s amendments alter the original intent of the bill, I recognize that this change may open the

A warming center is open today in Portage at Woodland Park, 2100 Willowcreek Road. It will be open on Presidents’ Day, Feb. 17, from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. for citizens in need. “Additionally, if you need the services of a warming center outside of these hours, please call the Portage Police Department non-emergency number at 219-762-3122 and they will assist you, Portage Government said on social media. “They can also assist with arranging transportation to a warming center. Please remember to check on your loved ones, neighbors and the elderly during extreme winter weather.”

NEST COMMUNITY SHELTER HOLDS THE COLDEST NIGHT OF THE YEAR OUTDOOR, NIGHT 5K WALK IN MICHIGAN CITY. Nest Community Shelter welcomes walkers from across the community to participate in an awareness walk for rural homelessness through Washington Park in Michigan City on the evening of February 22, 2025. WHAT: Nest Community Shelter will be holding a Coldest Night of the Year Walk in Washington Park in Michigan City to raise funds and awareness for rural homelessness and the unique issues surrounding homelessness in our community. This walking fundraiser will take place across the United States, stepping off simultaneously (5 pm)

The City of Valparaiso will hold a 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐦𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐭 𝟔:𝟎𝟎 𝐏𝐌 𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟐𝟓, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓, 𝐢𝐧 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐨 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐥 (𝟏𝟔𝟔 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐧𝐰𝐚𝐲) 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧s 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐜𝐭 (𝐀𝐃𝐀) 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧 𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐭. With public input, the City has prepared the drafts of their ADA Transition Plans for infrastructure within the rights-of-way and for public facilities. If unable to attend, you may submit comments to Bob Thompson, ADA Director, at BThompson@Valpo.us. To read the drafts, visit https://www.ci.valparaiso.in.us/DocumentCenter/View/10902/ADA-Transition-Plan-2025-for-Public-Rights-of-Way and https://www.ci.valparaiso.in.us/DocumentCenter/View/10903/ADA-Transition-Plan-2025-for-Public-Facilities

The City of Portage will have an American Red Cross blood drive, March 3, from 9:00am to 3:00pm at City Hall. Visit redcrossblood.org,  call 1-800-RED-CROSS, or use the QR code on the poster to make an appointment. Their goal is to have 40 donors sign up.  Everyone who comes to give blood between March 1-31 will receive a $10 Amazon Gift Card.      

MUNSTER, Ind. – A 12-foot, walk-through inflatable colon is scheduled to be on display at Franciscan Health Munster later this month in an effort to help increase colon cancer awareness and highlight the benefits of colonoscopies. Strollin’ Through the Colon will be on display from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 24-26 inside the main entrance at Franciscan Health Munster, 701 Superior Ave. There is no charge to attend and pre-registration is not required. Franciscan Health staff will be on hand with educational materials and giveaways while the exhibit is on display. The giant inflatable colon helps illustrate health issues

MICHIGAN CITY – LaPorte County Career and Technical Education is celebrating Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month by hosting a pancake breakfast fundraiser on Saturday, March 1, from 9 a.m. to noon in the Elston Cafeteria at the LPCCTE North Campus (A.K. Smith Career Center), 317 Detroit St. Tickets are $8 and must be purchased in advance by Friday, February 21. All proceeds will support the La Porte County Career and Technical Education programs, which provide students with hands-on learning experiences to help them prepare for future careers or further education. Career and Technical Education Month, celebrated in February, highlights

It is with great pride that we would like to announce the relocation of Arnett Construction & Roofing. While we have had extreme success in our current location on the east side of LaPorte County, the location change will definitely help us serve our many clients in a more efficient manner. In April 2025, we will break ground on our new office and warehouse facility at 415 W US HWY 20 Michigan City, IN 46360. We’re extremely excited to be working with Larson-Danielson Construction and Facet Architecture to develop our new facility. We’ve spent nearly three decades in LaPorte County,